Feb 16, 2026; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) throws during spring training workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Cardinals' Masyn Winn Scare Officially is Over

Originally posted on St. Louis Cardinals on SI
By Patrick McAvoy | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 1:31 PM ET

If you're a St. Louis Cardinals fan, you can completely let out a sigh of relief for young shortstop Masyn Winn.

The 24-year-old was in a car accident on Wednesday after getting a walk-off hit for St. Louis over the New York Mets. It was a scary moment for the organization, but he's okay. On Thursday, Winn shared a post on Instagram from the crash with a message for the fanbase.

"For everone wondering ... I'm feeling great! Car is a little banged up but nothing can't be replaced! Big thanks to our security team and first responders for taking care of me! See y'all on the field soon!"

For as positive as the message was, the fact that he said "See y'all on the field soon," at least left the door open for potential time missed. But, he didn't end up needing any extra time off after Thursday's day off anyway. On Friday, Winn was not only at shortstop for the Cardinals, but also at the top of the order with JJ Wetherholt sitting for the first time this season.

Masyn Winn is alright

Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Redbirds in Motown pic.twitter.com/7CbGWhnIvn
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) April 3, 2026

You really can't ask for a much better response. The Cardinals are kicking off their first series on the road of the season so far. So, the Cardinals were set to lead off the game on Friday offensively. Winn finished Wednesday's contest with the final at-bat against the Mets. Then, despite the car accident, logged the first at-bat of the day on Friday for the club. There isn't a clearer sign that Winn is alright.

The Cardinals boast a very young roster right now. The story of the 2026 season is going to be figuring out who should be long-term core pieces. If the Cardinals can keep up their current pace and shock the baseball world by making a playoff run or something like that, it will be a bonus. The goal of the season is identifying core pieces and one thing that is true is the fact that Winn already has proven that he is one. Winn and JJ Wetherholt are seemingly the only two guaranteed long-term core pieces. Alec Burleson arguably is right in that mix as well. Iván Herrera is another guy who fits this mold.

So far this season, guys like Victor Scott II, Jordan Walker, Matthew Liberatore, Michael McGreevy and Nolan Gorman have all looked like guys who could be in that mix.

The Cardinals need a healthy Winn. Fortunately, he is right now.

This article first appeared on St. Louis Cardinals on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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